Author: Susan Cropper

Posted on Posted in Techniques

I was recently reminded how confusing the issues around blocking finished knits can be. To wet block or steam? Use blocking wires or not? Iron, steam or leave to dry? Many people I come across also believe that the stated needles and gauge on a pattern are set in stone. They understand they can substitute a similar weight yarn but don’t feel they have permission to experiment with the needles and gauge. This isn’t true. It may be more complicated to do this when knitting a fitted garment but it is a pleasure to do when knitting shawls, scarves and …

Top Tips for Blocking Your Knits! Read more »

Posted on Posted in Free Patterns, Patterns, Yarns

This week we have a special treat for you! If you’re a regular Ravelry user, you will probably have seen that one of our favourite designers, Stephen West, has been hosting a ‘knit-along’ and releasing stunning patterns as part of his Westy’s Besties KAL recently. This week, the pattern being released is the shawl he originally designed for Loop – the Westloop Shawl! Stephen has very kindly agreed to offer the pattern for free to Loop customers who purchase the yarn for the pattern in either Brooklyn Tweed LOFT or or the Isager yarns required for the pattern. Hooray!

Posted on Posted in Haberdashery, Yarns

Spring is fast approaching and what better way to get in the mood than with some stunning Mulberry silk? This gorgeous 100% silk DK yarn from Louisa Harding comes in 15 jewel-like colours and is perfect for projects you’ll want to wear when the weather finally warms up. Equally stunning in stocking stitch or lace, you’ll enjoy making every shimmery, smooth stitch whatever project you choose! Here we’ve chosen to do a swatch (in colour 36 Golden) of our free pattern, the Beginners Lace Shawl – absolute luxury knitting on some rosewood needles (try our short ones for swatching and …

Shimmering Silk & a Fab Gadget Read more »